Chrysanthemum indicum, the autumn flower chrysanthemum, is sometimes called mum or chrysanth and the number of varieties at this point are literally countless. Native to Asia and northeastern Europe, for us the mum symbolizes the fall season, November, and Thanksgiving. Whether you are enjoying the flowers of chrysanthemum in your garden or on your table, it is a plant that is synonymous with this time of year.
Here are some fascinating facts about this lovely flower:
The name of this flower comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning gold, and anthemon meaning flower.
Mums were first cultivated in China as far back as the 15th century BC.
This flower came to America in 1798 when Colonel John Stevens brought in a variety known as 'Dark Purple' from England.
Mums are edible, but it is advised you only use the flower petals and blanch them first for the best flavor.
Yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia called chrysanthemum tea.
In Korea, there is a popular rice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers.
Mum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens or aromatic flavors in many Asian cuisines.
Chrysanthemum is used as a natural source of insecticide: its pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of all insects, and inhibit female mosquitoes from biting.
The NASA Clean Air Study showed that chrysanthemum plants reduce indoor air pollution.
The term "chrysanthemum" is also used to refer to specific fireworks that produce a pattern of trailing sparks similar to the flower.
The chrysanthemum is the official flower of November in the United States.
King Tut of Egypt was buried with floral necklaces of chrysanthemums!
In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of its Emperor: for example the Chrysanthemum Crest and Seal, and the Emperor's position on the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Mums are composed of many individual flowers (florets), each one capable of making a seed.
🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚
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